Scully and James performed as a duo and won the judges’ hearts with their rendition of Wake Me Up by Avicii and a mash-up between Superstition by Stevie Wonder and I Feel Good by James Brown. For their exceptional display of vocal abilities and singing talent, they walked away with RM2,000 cash, a trophy and three-days-two-nights’ stay at the resort

First runner-up Mario Chona De Los Reyes performed Beyonce’s Listen by and One Night Only. Maria, from the Philippines, won RM1,500 cash, a trophy and two-days-one-night stay at the resort. Second runner-up Teoh Boon Qing from Penang performed 7 Years by Lucas Graham and Sugar by Maroon 5. Teoh won RM1,000 cash, a trophy and a buffet dinner for two persons at Spice Market Café.

The panel of judges for the Grand Final were Hannah Tan, a TV personality, actress and model, Mohd Mazlan, music director and producer for Northwind Intellec Sdn. Bhd. and creative director for Studio57 and chief judge Joshua Tan, the manager of CHI, The Spa. The singing competition was jointly organised by Maverick Media Productions and Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Rasa Resort & Spa, Penang.

“The response for the event, which was held for the first time at the resort, was overwhelming,” said M. Kalai, the resort’s director of food and beverage. Twelve finalists took part in the grand finals, based on the results of three heats. Finalists were selected from an initial pool of 56 contestants.

Kay added that, “The idea of FIP’s Got Talent was created as a platform for talented singers/artists who have limited access to performing at international hotels. We hope that this singing competition will provide a springboard for young singers of all genres to showcase their individual talents, shine on stage and become popular household names. We were very impressed by the performances and showmanship. Due to the huge demand and requests from contestants, the resort will make this an annual event.”

Background information on FIP:

F.I.P., Fun, Interactive and Play, is the latest food and beverage outlet at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang. Located in the Garden Wing, it is a cosy, yet trendy hangout spot for casual meet-ups and relaxation. It offers several art murals with props with which guests can get creative for selfies, as well as a pool table and electronic dartboard for some friendly competition. The long menu list includes Checker Board Game, in which diners can play with skewers of chicken or crab. The winner savours the spoils of victory, while the loser pays. There is also a Tic-Tac-Toe Macarons, in which guests use the sweet confections to mark their boxes and the winner eats them all.

Other novel treats that guests have been raving about at F.I.P. are the Ice Beers served in speciality mugs made from solid ice, the mix-it-yourself cocktails and mocktails, and a selection of lettes topped with creative 3D art.